Need Memory Advice Please

[draven714]

Thinking about buying ASUS Crosshair IV Formula AM3 and AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 6 Core Processor 3.2GHZ Socket AM3 and I am having a hard time picking out memory that will go nicely with them. I've looked at the Crosshair IV Formula QVL (Qualified Vendor List) for 6-core CPU's and the options don't look very good to me.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

 

[jaquith]

Here's Corsair Tested -> http://www2.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1575023

Also, the 2X4GB CMP8GX3M2A1600C9 kit works well, but IMO if you want 2000MHz RAM then the Crosshair IV Formula isn't tops in my book. The Crosshair IV Extreme is best with sets like F3-16000CL8D-8GBFLS or any 2000 MHz.

 

[draven714]

Thanks for the reply jaquith. Very helpful.

What if I gave in and bought ASUS Rampage III Extreme and Intel Core i7-970 Gulftown 3.2GHz. Would CORSAIR DOMINATOR 12GB (3 x 4GB) be the best choice?

 

[jaquith]

Yes, those Dominator's are a very good choice.

Q - What's the purpose/use with this build?

 

[draven714]

Going to make my first water cooling rig. Doing it as a hobby, would like to get into OC'ing, modifying my case at some point, and more advance water cooling. Just a hobby I've been wanting to get into for years.

I do little gaming (World of Warcraft, Starcraft 2, Diable 3 when it comes out).

I know I don't need such a powerful machine, but I rather not upgrade for a couple years and spend time OC'ing, moding, and water cooling.

EDIT: Rest of my components are in my First WC Build - Looking for Advice post.

 

[Daave12]

Yes Even I would go by that choice, it will solve your problem and you will have no problem in working.

 

[draven714]

Best answer selected by Draven714.

 

[draven714]

Sorry to open this topic back up but I am having a really hard time picking out the right memory for me.

I decided to go with the ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme and AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition.

My uses would mostly be for gaming, but I'd like something that does well with overclocking also. My system will be fully water cooled at some point, but right now only the CPU will be.

jaquith said G.SKILL Flare 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) would be good for my setup, however, they are deactivated and I can't find any.

 

[jaquith]

I used two sets of the Flares on an AMD extreme build. The alternative is the Corsair CMT8GX3M2A2000C9 with the Crosshair IV Extreme. You will probably need to raise both the DRAM Voltage and NB Voltage {+0.1~+0.2v}.

I would really encourage you to check benchmarks 1090T v 2500K/2600K; the 2500K is perfect for gaming, HT does nothing to help on the 2600K in gaming.

http://www.overclock.net/amd-cpus/913290-my-i5-2500k-225-vs-my.html
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/288?vs=146
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/287?vs=146

 

[draven714]

Thanks jaquith. Corsair CMT8GX3M2A2000C9 is exactly what I was looking at lastnight.

I was thinking about getting the 2600k with an ASUS MAXIMUS IV EXTREME but it is almost $200 more then the 1090T / Crosshair IV Extreme Combo.

If I did go with the 2600k and Maxumus IV Extreme, is there a memory you would recommend for it?


EDIT: Thank you for the anandtech.com, haven't seen it before. Is it accurate? If so, really puts it into perspective. The 2600k would be worth the extra money.

 

[jaquith]

Oddly a more complicated question, clearly the SB sweetspot is 1600 MHz CAS 9 or 8. The Ripjaws X are perfectly fine for 2X4GB, BUT I've been seeing a lot of problems taking TWO SETS of 2x4GB e.g. G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL to get 16GB; most of the time it won't run faster than 1333 MHz in sets of 4.

Therefore, if 2X4GB is the maximum then G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL or CAS 8 F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM.

IF you'll add 'eventually' 4X4GB CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B or CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9.

IF 16GB day 1 then CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B.

Side-by-side http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007610%20600006127%20600006073&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=147|20-233-144^20-233-144-TS%2C20-231-445^20-231-445-TS%2C20-145-345^20-145-345-TS%2C20-231-428^20-231-428-TS%2C20-145-347^20-145-347-TS

As I mentioned the 2600K vs 2500K are identical in Gaming...clock per clock.

Goo Article -> http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/memory/2011/01/11/the-best-memory-for-sandy-bridge/1

 

[draven714]

Thanks again jaquith. One last question I think

Would you personally go with the F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL or F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM?

I was thinking that F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM but I thought I'd ask to see what you thought.

 

[jaquith]

Well you read the article too so you know the story, I think the 'red theme' looks better with the ASUS Maximus so the F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL. Microscopic performance edge the F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM. Keep in mind, I've seen issues with twin sets of both.

Either will give you WEI of 7.8 which means nothing, the CAS 8 might OC to 1866 MHz with a lower CAS.

No matter what you do, immediately flash your BIOS unless it's already the latest BIOS version. Do that prior to even formatting.

Good Luck!